Thursday, January 10, 2019

Cards That Never Were: Lyle Blackwood Topps 1974, '75, '82, '84 & '86

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create virtual trading cards for players omitted from specific Topps sets for various reasons. It is a concept I have borrowed from too many others to list, but I appreciate all of them.

Lyle Blackwood was selected by the Denver Broncos in the 9th round of the 1973 NFL draft. He made his NFL debut with the Cincinnati Bengals in 1973. After the 1975 season, the Seattle Seahawks selected him in the Expansion Draft. He played with Seattle for one season, before joining the Baltimore Colts for 4 seasons. In 1981, he joined the Miami Dolphins. He played 6 seasons with the Dolphins, retiring after the 1986 season.

Topps issued cards for Blackwood in their sets from 1976, 1978-1980, 1983 and 1985. He also appeared (with his brother Glenn) on a "Football Brothers" card from 1982, but did not get a solo card that year.

Topps skipped Blackwood in 1974, '75, '77, '81, '82, '84 and '86. I was able to create cards for '74, '75, '82, '84 and '86. I couldn't find any decent picture for a 1977 or '81 card. I remain on the lookout for those cards, but for now, I am happy with these creations.